438 East 77th Street, Manhattan, NY 10075

The five-story, 14-unit tenement building at 438 East 77th Street, owned by Arlene Alter, has experienced several significant maintenance issues over recent years, with the most recent concerns arising in mid-2023 involving water leak and ventilation system problems, though no violations were issued following HPD inspections. The building has faced recurrent heat and hot water supply problems, with emergencies documented in both 2020 and 2021, where temporary restoration was confirmed by tenants during HPD's response.

Safety-related incidents in 2020 included uninspected complaints regarding smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, alongside findings of mold that resulted in violations. Additionally, the building has had multiple appliance-related complaints, particularly concerning electric/gas ranges in 2019, 2020, and 2021, though most were closed without violations. Recent inspections and compliance activities show some ongoing concerns.

In 2022, there was an inspection-related violation regarding the annual bedbug report, and a 2020 inspection revealed several Class A and Class C violations concerning building safety and maintenance, including issues with self-closing doors, posting requirements, and a locked door assembly in apartment 2A. Notably, the building has maintained a consistent record of passing rodent inspections from 2010 through 2019, and the bedbug reporting history from 2019 to present shows zero infested or re-infested units, indicating effective pest management practices. While the building has had its share of maintenance challenges, particularly around essential services and safety systems, the recent years have shown fewer major violations, with the most current issues being primarily non-emergency in nature.